DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4 300

The DS 7 offers a different way to go for 'D'-segment luxury SUV buyers. Especially in this plug-in E-TENSE form. Jonathan Crouch looks at the improved E-TENSE 300 variant.

Ten Second Review

The DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4 300 represents this luxury French brand's more distinctive take on what a 'D'-segment luxury plug-in SUV should be. It can take you up to 40 miles without emitting any CO2 and manage 128mpg. In short, it's a bit special - and is styled that way too.

Background

Looking at the various electrified alternatives the current car-buying customer now has on offer, it's sometimes hard not to think that the plug-in hybrid option is arguably the best. Mild hybrid tech doesn't make much difference to overall efficiency figures. And full-electric models still carry the scourge of 'range anxiety'. So being able to plug in to extend the range of a conventional petrol engine with a lithium-ion battery charge makes as much sense now as it did when we first saw plug-in models hit the market, nearly a decade ago.

When it comes to SUVs, you'll generally need a mid-sized or larger one to be able to specify plug-in technology. The Stellantis Group makes a number of the various 'C'-segment SUVs that offer it - cars like hybrid versions of the Peugeot 3008, the Citroen C5 Aircross and the Vauxhall Grandland. Plus the French conglomerate has also used the same tech for a slightly larger, more luxurious model that sits in the 'D'-segment just above - this car, the DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4, which we're looking at here in mid-range '300' form, a car now usefully improved.

Driving Experience

Unlike the DS brand's smaller electrified model, the DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE, this car isn't a full-electric SUV. Instead, a 200hp 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine beats beneath the bonnet, its efforts now boosted by a larger 14.2kWh battery that in the '300' version powers an accompanying pair of 109hp electric motors which together boost total power output up to 300hp. When fully charged, this car can cover up to 40 WLTP-rated miles in zero emission form.

There are four drive modes available. 'Zero emission' is the default setting, which sees functioning only using its electric motors. More commonly, you'll be running in 'Hybrid mode', which sees the electric motors and the engine efficiently working together. If you're pressing on, you'll use 'Sport' mode, which is engine-only. This is a 4x4 model and if you're off piste, you can make the most of that by engaging a '4WD' setting which activates the rear axle for all-wheel drive.

Design and Build

Visual differentiation points setting this E-TENSE variant apart from more conventional models in the range are few. There's special badging. And this electrified variant can be had in this exclusive 'Pearl Crystal' paint shade. That's about it.

This revised DS 7 gets a restyled front end, with slimmer 'DS PIXEL LED VISION 3.0' headlamps and 'DS LIGHT VEIL' daytime running lights. The DS WINGS and the grille are larger and the valance has been redesigned with a range of colours depending on the model.

Inside, there's smarter upholstery, with specifically draped Nappa leather on the dashboard and door panels. The 12-inch high-resolution centre touchscreen has been redesigned too, now featuring a menu made up of widgets for accessing all its functions with a single movement: for controlling the connected navigation, the ventilation, the digital audio sources and journey information. The centre screen gets a strange barrel-style crystal-like centre volume dial. And, like the 12-inch instrument binnacle TFT monitor, can be configured via a 'DS Sensorial Drive' feature to display its information in shades of either Cashmere or Titanium.

Market and Model

To be specific, prices for the DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4 300 start from around £52,000, a sum which buys you the most affordable 'Performance Line' variant. There's a more affordable 2WD E-TENSE 225 version available for around £5,000 less, which also comes with base 'Performance Line' trim from around £44,000.

All versions of this model get big 19-inch wheels and 'DS Active LED Vision' headlamps that adapt to road conditions and feature high beam assist. Inside, also standard are the two large cockpit screens - the 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster and the 12-inch centre-dash infotainment screen that incorporates voice recognition and 'DS Connect Navigation'. Amongst other things, mid-range models get the clever 'DS Active Scan' suspension system. And an upgraded 'Rivoli' trimming package that uses premium quilted Nappa leather and diamond-shaped decorative features. This top 'Ultra Prestige' variant features a special 'Opera' interior trimming package with a stitched leather dash, a panoramic glass roof, a premium FOCAL HiFi system and larger 20-inch wheels.

Cost of Ownership

As with rival plug-in models in this segment, the efficiency figures here are certainly eye-catching. There's a 40 mile WLTP-rated electrified driving range. The WLTP mixed fuel consumption figure is rated at 128mpg. And the WLTP CO2 reading is 33g/km. The DS engineers reckon that even running the car in its more usual 'Hybrid mode' you should still average under 50g/km. All of this assumes you keep the car fully charged. If you drift into using it just in petrol-powered form, your returns will drop like a stone.

But let's assume you're fully bought into making full use of the electrified tech. On the move, energy is regenerated whenever the driver decelerates or uses the brakes, which extends the battery range. Another function, 'E-SAVE', also allows the driver to save enough energy to drive in all-electric mode for the last 6 or 12 miles of a journey. The map on the centre-dash touchscreen shows to the driver in real time the distance which can be driven in the car's all-electric 'Zero emission' mode or where charging stations are available nearby. This E-TENSE model's battery can be charged in two hours using a 32-amp wall-mounted terminal with a 6.6 kW charger; or in 8-hours with a traditional 3-pin domestic socket.

Through a provided 'MyDS' app, you can programme or switch on charging and follow your car's state of charge on your smartphone. The warranty is an unremarkable three year/60,000-mile package.

Summary

The DS 7 E-TENSE has a more distinctive feel. Not one that'll suit everyone, but if you're sold into plug-in tech, want a luxury 'D'-segment SUV and likely the thought of something a little different, then this is where you might like to start your search.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4

PRICES: £ 51,890-£56,540

INSURANCE GROUPS: TBC

CO2 EMISSIONS: [WLTP] 33g/km

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 6.5s / top speed 121mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 128mpg [WLTP] TBC

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: stability control, ABS, six airbags

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm 4595/2096/1625